The truth hurts . . . less

Overestimating your actual performance can actually leave you more dejected than being honest about your limitations, reports a joint study by Nanyang Technological University and the University of Pennsylvania.

In several experiments, students from the US and Hong Kong were asked to rate their performance across various tests. The results revealed that students who rated their own performance as much higher than it actually was were significantly more likely to feel dejected when their actual results were revealed.

According to the authors, the findings challenge the belief that self-enhancement and giving poor performers positive feedback helps their emotional health. Instead, accurate self-assessment and performance feedback is more likely to make them happier.